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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
10:11
The Benthic Exchange of O2, N2 and Dissolved Nutrients Using Small Core Incubations
Published on: August 3, 2016
10.5K
Deep ocean nutrients imply large latitudinal variation in particle transfer efficiency
Thomas Weber1, Jacob A Cram2, Shirley W Leung2
1School of Oceanography, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; tsweber@uw.edu.
Summary
High-latitude oceans are crucial for long-term carbon sequestration, showing high transfer efficiency of sinking organic particles. This contrasts with low efficiency in subtropical gyres, impacting atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Biogeochemistry
- Climate Science
Background:
- The transfer efficiency of sinking organic particles through the mesopelagic zone is key to the ocean-atmosphere carbon dioxide (CO2) balance.
- Current data limitations hinder understanding of large-scale spatial variations in particle transfer efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconstruct deep ocean particle fluxes and map global transfer efficiency patterns.
- To identify factors controlling spatial variations in carbon export to the deep sea.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a data-constrained ocean circulation model to diagnose nutrient accumulation rates along transport pathways.
- Integrated diagnosed deep ocean fluxes with surface organic matter export estimates.
Main Results:
- Revealed a global pattern of transfer efficiency to 1,000 m: high (~25%) at high latitudes, low (~5%) in subtropical gyres, and intermediate in tropics.
- Correlated transfer efficiency with phytoplankton community structure and ballast mineral export, influencing particle size and density.
Conclusions:
- High-latitude oceans play a significant role in long-term carbon sequestration.
- Changes in phytoplankton communities due to climate warming may impact carbon remineralization depths.
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